By Kristin Josiah
Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, has responded to the request made by the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) for the Ministry of Labour to intervene as a mediator between them and the Ministry of Education amid the ongoing teachers’ strike.
Hamilton emphasized that the matter is not yet at the stage for the Chief Labour Officer to intervene, citing ongoing discussions between the Ministry of Education and the Union.
Hamilton’s remarks come amidst escalating tensions between the GTU and the government, with the Union’s request for mediation seen as a pivotal move in resolving the dispute.
The Minister underscored the importance of adhering to labour laws in addressing the strike, stating that the Ministry of Education has been open to discussions with the GTU since the outset.
During his statement, Hamilton also addressed the nature of some of the GTU’s demands, highlighting that certain requests cannot be met overnight.
He stressed that while the government acknowledges the grievances of the teachers, adjustments to laws cannot be made to suit the protesters.
Furthermore, he clarified that employers are not obligated to pay employees who have abandoned their posts during the strike.
In a revealing disclosure, Minister Hamilton pointed out that the GTU’s financial filings have not been updated since 2005, posing a risk of the Union being struck off the Trade Unions Registry.
This revelation adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing dispute, raising questions about the Union’s compliance with regulatory requirements.
Overall, Minister Hamilton’s remarks underscore the government’s commitment to addressing the teachers’ strike within the confines of labour laws and regulatory frameworks.
As negotiations continue between the Ministry of Education and the GTU, the role of the Ministry of Labour remains pivotal in ensuring a fair and lawful resolution to the dispute.